Latest news with #ThirumuruganpoondiSculptorsAssociation
Hans India
5 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Sculptors of TN's Tiruppur seek dedicated industrial cluster to preserve heritage craft
Sculptors from Thirumuruganpoondi, a town renowned for its traditional stone sculpture industry in Tiruppur district, have urged the Tamil Nadu government to establish a dedicated industrial cluster to safeguard and revive their age-old craft. K. Radhakrishnan, a temple architect and president of the Thirumuruganpoondi Sculptors Association, emphasised the town's historical significance. "After Mahabalipuram, Thirumuruganpoondi is the most important hub for stone sculptures in Tamil Nadu. For six generations, our town has been home to skilled artisans who produce high-quality stone sculptures, which are shipped across states and cities,' he said. According to Radhakrishnan, raw materials are primarily sourced from Uthukuli in Tiruppur and Rasipuram in Namakkal. However, restrictions on quarry operations in Uthukuli have led to a severe shortage of quality stone, escalating prices from Rs 600 to Rs 900 per square foot in just a year. At the same time, the cost of machinery has increased, compelling sculptors to raise their prices and thereby reducing their order volumes. He warned that the industry is on a decline due to government apathy. 'There were more than 150 sculpture workshops in Thirumuruganpoondi five years ago. Now, only 112 remain. Skilled artisans are paid up to Rs 1,500 per day, and we offer Rs 500 to new trainees, but even so, young people are reluctant to enter the field. Families involved in this profession for generations are discouraging their children from continuing due to a lack of support.' He appealed to the government to either fully fund a separate cluster or provide land at a 50 per cent subsidy. Without such assistance, he said, the industry could gradually vanish. S. Yuvraj, secretary of the association, pointed out that access to credit remains a major hurdle. 'Last year, we trained 21 young people to become entrepreneurs. They applied for loans but have yet to receive them. This has led to disappointment and distrust. The government should step in to facilitate easier access to loans, machinery subsidies, and introduce a dedicated board to support workers in this sector.' Responding to the demands, a senior official from the District Industries Centre (DIC) said that the government's Micro Cluster Development Programme already offers up to 90 per cent subsidy, covering project costs up to Rs 7.5 crore. However, land acquisition remains the responsibility of the artisans. "If the sculptors want government-provided land, they can approach us directly. We are ready to guide them and help with the loan process,' the official said. The sculptors hope that timely intervention from the government will help preserve this traditional art form and rejuvenate the once-thriving industry.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Thirumuruganpoondi sculptors seek TN government support for setting up industry cluster
TIRUPPUR: The sculptors of the Thirumuruganpoondi stone sculpture industry have requested the Tamil Nadu government to establish a separate cluster for their industry in Tiruppur district to protect it. K Radhakrishnan, a temple architect and president of Thirumuruganpoondi Sculptors Association said, "Thirumuruganpoondi is the main city for sculpture in Tamil Nadu, after Mahabalipuram. Sculptures are exported to other cities and states from here. We purchase stones from quarries in Uthukuli in Tiruppur, and for constructing temples, we source stones from Rasipuram in Namakkal. We do not compromise on quality for lower prices. For six generations, the city has been producing stone sculptures." Radhakrishnan said, "The government's neglect of our industry is hindering our growth. New workers are reluctant to join, even though we pay skilled workers up to Rs 1,500. We also offer a wage of Rs 500 to new workers learning sculpture making. Unfortunately, even those already in the industry do not want their family members to join. The number of sculpture workshops here, which was over 150 about five years ago, has now decreased to 112. The government should take steps to support traditional industries. It should either set up a separate cluster for us at its own expense or provide land with a 50% subsidy to establish a cluster. Without government assistance, the industry will gradually disappear."
